Developing a new combined structural roofing system of domes and vaults supported by cementitious straw bricks

The primary objective of this research was to develop a structural technique for roofing rice straw buildings by domes and vaults through encouraging the specification of innovative materials which may be more sustainable than their traditional counterparts. This paper examines the effectiveness of using rice straw cementitious posts and walls as an innovative natural construction method to support domes and vaults in straw bale buildings. Three proposed mix ratios for rice straw cementitious bricks were mechanically tested. A finite elements analysis of the proposed roofing system was performed, to check the safety of the roofing material, and their resultant reactions on the rice straw bricks support. Different cases of loading were applied including wind and settlement. Obtained results helped in the decision making of the most economical and environmental friendly brick mix. Besides, the results emphasized that all stresses were within acceptable limits of the Egyptian code of practice.